How Cameroon turned a second chance into a first African title

Marie Ngah scored twice and Naomi Eto added another as Cameroon defeated tournament debutants Malawi in the final in Rabat.[13] The victory followed three previous final defeats and made Cameroon only the fourth nation to win the competition, after Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.[7][13] Why it matters: Cameroon’s title brought $2 million (£1.48 million) in prize money, while the team’s semi-final run also secured qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.[7][13] Key insights: Cameroon had failed to qualify initially but received a second chance to enter the tournament.[13] | All three final goals came in the first half: Ngah scored in the 20th minute and added another in stoppage time, with Eto scoring in the 29th minute.[13] | Cameroon’s previous final defeats came in 2004, 2014 and 2016, all against Nigeria.[7] | Malawi reached the final in its tournament debut after defeating defending champions Nigeria as well as Egypt, Ghana and Algeria.[13] Cheatsheet facts: What changed: Cameroon won its first Wafcon crown after three previous runner-up finishes.[7][13] | Why now: A three-goal first half, including two goals from Marie Ngah, decided the final against Malawi.[13] | Watch next: Watch Cameroon, Malawi, Algeria and Morocco at the 2027 Women's World Cup after all four qualified through their semi-final appearances.[13]